We’re Dreaming of a Pink Christmas

Drinkers are in the pink when it comes to choosing a tipple, latest Waitrose data shows.Rosé-coloured wine, liqueurs and even port are all the rage in the UK this festive season – despite the chilly weather.

Pink drinks are no longer just for hot summer days as rosé wine and colourful cocktails are increasingly drunk at home during the winter, according to Waitrose.

Sales of rosé wine at the supermarket have surged 20% so far this year compared to the same period of 2009.

Waitrose Wine Buyer Nick Room said: “Rosé wine is becoming an all year round drink because it offers wine-lovers something different. There is now more choice than ever before in rosé and there’s also more quality and diversity available.”

The pink drink trend has spread beyond the summer and into winter when colourful cocktails and spirits for festive home entertaining push up shopper demand.

Waitrose’ first ever pink port, launched in September, is already popular with customers who want a playful twist on the traditional post-dinner drink.

Offley Rosé Port priced at £9.99 per bottle combines the delicacy of rosé wine with the character of a good port. Sales at Waitrose jumped 100 per cent in the five weeks to early December.

Cocktails are also in the pink following increased demand for berry-based liqueurs and sloe gin to serve at festive parties in the home.

Herchelle Perez Terrado, Waitrose Spirits Buyer, said: “People want to treat themselves by having cocktails at home because it costs much less than going out. They are seeking little indulgences to cheer themselves up, especially if they are having to economise in big ways.”

“If you can’t afford to go out and spend in a bar then you can bring the bar home to your living room by making colourful cocktails,” Herchelle explained.

Sales of Sloe Gin in the past six weeks leapt 100% year-on-year at Waitrose. Meanwhile Damson Gin sales are up 35 per cent year-on-year and Waitrose has seen a 10% upturn in its sales of Super Cassis.

Sloe gin is infused with wild sloe berries that give it a deep purple-red colour and rich flavour.

Super Cassis is a blackcurrant liqueur from France that is excellent mixed with white or sparkling wine to make a Kir or a Kir Royale.